Care Navigator

Beyond the Carer Gateway

there is a wide network of financial, medical, and community help available to Australian carers. [1, 2, 3]

These supports are designed to help you cover costs, look after your own health, and get discounts on daily expenses. [4, 5, 6, 7]

Services Australia offers two main fortnightly payments to help with the costs of caring. You can apply for both at the same time: [8, 9]

Centrelink Carer Allowance: A fortnightly payment of $162.60 to help with the daily costs of looking after someone. There is no assets test, and it is available as long as your combined household income is under $250,000 a year. [10]
Centrelink Carer Payment: An income-support payment of up to $1,200.90 per fortnight for single carers who cannot work full-time because they provide constant care. It is income and asset tested. [10, 11]
Annual Bonus Payments: If you receive the Allowance or Payment, you automatically receive a $600 Carer Supplement every July. [12, 13]

Caring takes a heavy physical and mental toll. You can access free healthcare support through your GP: [14, 15, 16]

Carer Mental Health Care Plan: Your doctor can write a plan that gives you up to 10 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions per year.
Free Influenza/Flu Vaccines: In many parts of Australia, primary carers of vulnerable people are eligible for free annual flu shots through local medical centers or pharmacies.

If you balance work and care, the Australian Fair Work Act protects you: [17]

Carer’s Leave: You can use your paid personal/carer’s leave to look after a family member who is sick or has an unexpected emergency.
Flexible Work Requests: You have a legal right to formally request flexible working arrangements (like working from home or changing your hours) if you have been with your employer for 12 months. [18, 19, 20, 21, 22]

State governments and businesses provide cards to reduce your daily living expenses: [23, 24]

Companion Card: If the person you care for has a significant, lifelong disability, they can get a Companion Card. This gives you a free second ticket at movie theatres, sporting events, concerts, and public transport so you can accompany them for free. [25]
Carer Business Discount Card: Available in states like Queensland, this card gives you discounts on petrol, groceries, and utilities at thousands of participating businesses. [25, 26]